Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Ketogenic Diet?

The keto diet has been used since the early 1900s. It was first used to treat epilepsy in youth and later used to treat obesity. It is essentially a low carbohydrate diet but better defined in terms of its macronutrient content.

What can I eat on a keto diet?

Contrary to popular belief, keto is not a restrictive diet. You can eat meat, veggies, nuts and seeds. Fruit should be avoided due to its high fructose content but some individuals can tolerate it. Berries can be enjoyed from time to time in limited quantities.

What are the foods I must avoid?

Sugar in any form is off limits. Weather it is honey, maple syrup or just plain table sugar, it must be avoided. It is toxic to our blood and will keep you out of ketosis. In addition, starchy veggies like potatoes and rice must be avoided as well as pasta. Artificial sweetners should be kept to a minimum as well.

What is Ketosis? Is it dangerous?

Ketosis is the state your body enters when carbohydrates are kept to a low enough level where your body needs to burn fat for energy instead of the carbs. The fat breaks down into Ketone bodies which provide a far superior fuel for your brain.

This should not be confused with Ketoacidosis which is a dangerous state that can only occur in Diabetics that do not have a functioning pancreas. There is no risk to ketosis in a healthy non diabetic.

Does it get boring?

Not at all. There are keto substitutes for every taste. There are many books written for cooking with keto. Everything from bread to cakes and cookies can be made to fit the ketogenic lifestyle!

What are the health benefits of Keto?

The benefits are vast. They include but are not limited to:

- Reducing epileptic seizures

- Controlling or even reversing Type 2 Diabetes

- Protection from Alzheimer's/dementia

- Effortless weight loss/maintenance

- controlling thyroid issues

- aids in treatment of PCOS

- Can greatly improve survival rate of cancer patients when used with chemo and/or radiation